World Veterinary Consultants, President, Federation of Asian Veterinary Associations, Past-President, World Veterinary Association, 10 Nikau Lane, Manakau Heights, RD 1, Otaki 5581, New Zealand.
The veterinary profession needs to recognize the global influences on animal welfare and the changing role of the veterinarian in response to the changing attitudes of the human population. The trend is for urban populations and consumers to dictate animal welfare standards. Veterinarians must base their recommendations for animal welfare on scientifically justified practices. Veterinarians work not only for urban clients with their companion animals, but also very importantly with rural clients who provide the source of animal based foodstuffs and goods sought by an increasingly demanding human population. The controversial areas of intensive animal production and the transportation of animals that is required to move large numbers of animals around the World require veterinary supervision to ensure that animal welfare is preserved. The development of animal welfare standards is an on going process with the major international effort being led by the Office International desÉpizooties. The veterinary profession must help society to protect human and animal welfare from the effects disasters.
